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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/08/1977 Business Meeting 564' August 8, 1977 The City Council met in session on this date at 1:30 P.M. in the Conference Room at the Housing Service Center, 112 South 8th Street, Yakima, Washington. Councilmen present at the meeting were Mayor Betty L. Edmondson, Jean Allard, Ralph Holbrook, W. K. "Pete" Moore, Dr. Bill Simmons and Gordon Wonder. Councilman Walker absent. Mayor Edmondson announced that she had received notice of vacancies on the Yakima County Law and Justice Committee and asked if any Council member would like to serve on that committee. Both Councilman Allard and Councilman Moore said they felt they didn't seem interested in getting input from other parties. Councilman Allard said he would be interested in serving until January. Mayor Edmondson stated that she would be interested in serving also. It was the general consensus to defer sending in any names until Councilman Walker can be consulted. Mayor Edmondson announced that there will be an Open House at the Social Security Office from 1:00 to 4:00 P.M., on Wednesday, August 10, 1977. The Mayor also announced that there are four vacancies to fill on the Human Relations Commission, and a list of names has been prepared by the Community Relations Officer, Hope Gomez, for Council's review. It was the general consensus to have Councilman Simmons and Councilman Moore be the screening committee, to work with Hope, and bring their recommendations to the Council. Mayor Edmondson informed Council that Councilman Walker would like to add Peter Hubbard, a VISTA employee, to the list. Also, since it's possible that Mike Schwab may not be able to stay on the Commission due to press of business, Council might consider appointing another attorney to the Commission. City Manager Eastman informed Council that because the next televised Council Meeting would fall one day before the primary election, KYVE Television inquired if the meeting in November could be televised instead. After discussion, it was MOVED by Simmons, seconded by Wonder to ask KYVE TV to give Council a date in November and a date in December, then Council would decide which one would be best: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons, and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Walker absent. Councilman Wonder questioned the $37,562 funding by COG for a work program for land , use, wondering if this isn't a duplicity of City work. Glenn Rice, Director,of Community Development stated that Council had passed an ordinance to pay for part of. COG. Mayor Edmondson stated that other cities that don't have staff helping, pay extra. Mr. Rice stated that one of our staff is working with three COG employees to draw up a Comprehensive Plan. It was the general consensus of the Council that a study session should be devoted to a report from COG. Glenn Rice, Director of Community Development, opened the discussion on the three year report on Community Development activities, stating that Council has done a good job in appropriating the funds for the various projects in the Community Development Program. Councilman Moore asked if the amendments to the third year program have been approved by HUD. Kennith Crawford, Chief of Housing and Neighborhood Conservation, stated that he had called HUD last week and was told that they are looking at our program now. Mr. Crawford, referring to the reports distributed to Council earlier, explained some of the projects. Mr. Crawford stated that approximately 1,200 tenant /landlord questions or disputes were handled under "Provision of Public Services ". Mayor Edmondson asked about the deadline for submitting the program to HUD. Mr. Crawford stated that there must be a public .hearing in September and the program submitted to HUD by October 15, 1977. Mr. Rice asked what Council's policy is on the unpaved streets in the target area. After discussion, it was the general consensus of the Council to put a chip seal on the unpaved streets, then later, if money is still available in the program, pave over the chip seal; however, the rehabilitation grants have priority over streets. At 3:00 P.M. the Council Members moved into Council Chambers for the balance of the meeting, Mayor Edmondson presiding, Council Members Allard, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons and Wonder, City Manager Eastman and City Attorney Andrews present on roll call. Nadine Walker absent and excused. The Invocation was given by City Manager Eastman. Mayor Edmondson referred to the items placed on the Consent Agenda, questioning whether there were any additions or deletions from either Council Member or citizen present. The City Clerk then read the Consent Agenda Items. It was MOVED by Allard, seconded by Holbrook that the Consent Agenda, as read, be passed: carried, Allard, 565 August 8, 1977 Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Walker absent. (Subsequent paragraphs preceded by an asterisk ( *) indicate items on the Consent Agenda to be handled.tJnder one motion without further discussion.) * It was MOVED by Allard, seconded by Holbrook that the minutes of the previous meeting having been duly certified accurate by two Councilmen and no one present wishing to have said minutes read publicly, be approved: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Walker absent. This being the time fixed for the hearing on the amendment to zoning ordinance re swimming pools, Councilman Simmons questioned if this ordinance would apply to existing private pools as well as new pools. Newell Pock, Chief Inspector, stated that this ordinance would apply to new pools only, as it doesn't make the requirements retroactive. Councilman Holbrook inquired if hedges or plantings are considered adequate fencing around private swimming pools. Mr. Pock stated that there must be a fence at least 31 feet in height, not located within three feet of the edge of the pool. Mayor Edmondson asked if those private pools that are surrounded by hedges or plantings now will have to be fenced. Mr. Pock said that they would have to be fenced if they do not provide adequate safety to prevent small children entering the area and falling in the pool. It was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Simmons that Ordinance No. 2091, relating to zoning re swimming pools, be passed: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Walker absent. ORDINANCE NO. 2091, An Ordinance relating to zoning; specifying public and _ private swimming pools as permitted uses in R -1, Single Family Zone, and adopting use regulations concerning the fencing of swimming pool areas; and amending subsection 12.12.010 (o) of the City of Yakima Municipal Code. This being the time fixed for the hearing on the rezone application filed by James Elliott (Va Alta, Inc., - Holiday Inn) for property on the east side of the intersection of 10th and "A" Streets, Mrs. James Smith, 12 North 11th Street, spoke in opposition of the rezone; stating that she would like to have the bank on Mr. Elliott's property beautified. Mrs. Smith showed Council pictures of the property which adjoins the back of her property. Mrs. Smith said that she is now looking at a cyclone fence, with barbed wire on top, with accumulated litter against it, and a weedy, bank. Larry Wright, Principal Planner, stated that site screening (slatted cyclone fence or plantings) is required around the parking lot. It is possible that Mr. Elliott can be required to site screen around the new addition also, as off - street parking is planned for that area. Councilman Allard questioned if an agreement can be drawn up with Mr. Elliott requiring site screening all the way around the new parking lot and addition. Mrs. Adams, 104 East "A" Street, inquired where the property is that's being considered for this rezone. Mr. Wright pointed it out on the map for her and she said that it wouldn't effect her, but that she does have to look at the same thing Mrs. Smith does, and agrees something should be done. It was MOVED by Moore, seconded . by Wonder to continue the hearing on the rezone application filed by Mr. Elliott, on Monday, August 15, 1977 at 8:00 P.M. and ask staff to consult with Mr. Elliott about fortifying the bank and site screening the area: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Walker absent. Sylvia Zeutenhorst, a former City Parks Group Leader, who resigned because of the termination of Dave Schilperoort, Recreation Supervisor, stated that she was concerned about the manner in which Mr. Schilperoort was terminated, asking if this is going to be the City's policy. Ms. Zeutenhorst questioned why Mr. Schilperoort was terminated with just one week left in the Summer Recreation Program. Mr. Paul Goode, 212 North 27th Avenue, addressed the Council stating that he believes the people of Yakima are disturbed about how and why Dave Schilperoort was fired, especially since there was no question about his competency, and the City will soon be advertising for three positions open in the Parks Department. Rosa Baumanis, stated that she worked with Mr. Schilperoort this summer and was very impressed with his summer program schedule. Linda Kisner, former Interim Senior Citizen Coordinator, expressed her views on why she quit, stating she was also provisional and as of August 1, 1977 her five months were up. Others speaking in support of the good work Dave Schilperoort has done were Judy Brown, 604 North 52nd Avenue, Holly Love, 808 South 60th Avenue, Jean Wagner, 1118 Meadowbrook Road, Yvonne Heatwoll, former Parks employee, and Terry Hakala, former Parks employee. Mary Hersey, AFSCME Union Agent, also spoke on this matter stating that the Union strongly supports the Civil Service rule under which Mr. Schilperoort was terminated. After discussion it was the general consensus of the Council to let Mr. Eastman give a public explanation, if he so desired. Mr. Eastman stated that he felt a legal and moral responsiblity to support the Civil Service Rule, which he read, under which Mr. Schilperoort was 566 August 8, 1977 terminated. Mr.'Schilperoort's position was provisional, and that position is not even listed in the 1977 Budget. There is no criticism of Mr. Schilperoort's work and if he so wishes, he can put in his application for consideration of any of the three positions that will soon be advertised for the Parks Department. Counncilman Moore and Councilman Wonder expressed their support of the good job Mr. Eastman is doing. Mr. Eastman stated that the three positions in Parks would be management positions and are: Senior Citizen Coordinator, a Consolidation of Aquatic and Athletic Supervisor, and a Cemetery Supervisor. Sylvia Zeutenhorst, requested time to respond to Mr. Eastman's statements, but the Mayor asked her to respond in writing to the Council or take it to the Parks Commission. Milton Shute, 1308 West King, appeared before the Council stating that the 90 unit apartments that are being built next to his property are causing a terrible dust problem. After discussion, it was the general consensus to look into this matter to see if the apartments are in the City limits, and if so, refer it to staff. Kathlyn McGuire, 304 North 37th Avenue, asked Council if there will be a sign erected at the Yakima Convention Center. City Manager Eastman stated that the City is waiting for the design from the architect. Discussing the contract for professional services, Councilman Holbrook inquired if this went out for bids. City Manager Eastman reported that all the engineering firms in the city were called and asked if and when they could handle this project, and R.R. Jump was the only firm that reported they could do the work now. Mr. Eastman stated that the City does not need to go out for bids for professional consulting contrac_ts. It was MOVED by Holbrook, seconded by Simmons that Resolution No. D -3736, authorizing execution of the contract with R. R. Jump, Consulting Engineers, Inc. for Professional Services in connection with the proposed water system improvements, be passed: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Walker absent. RESOLUTION NO. D -3736, A Resolution authorizing and directing the City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima to execute a contract with R. R. Jump, Consulting Engineers, Inc., for professional engineering services in connection with proposed water system improvements. * It was MOVED by Allard, seconded by Holbrook that the report of the Acting City Engineer dated August 2, 1977, with respect to the completion of the work on the Public Works Contract with Industrial Service and Electric Company for the pump for the River Road Pump Station Project, be approved, the work be accepted and the payment of the final estimate as therein set forth is hereby authorized; carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Walker absent. City Manager Eastman explained the proposed ordinance creating an Advanced Travel and Expense Fund. Within 10 days following the close of the authorized travel period, a fully itemized travel expense voucher would need to be submitted. If it is not submitted, and money is owed to the City, the City can withhold any funds, payable at 10% interest per annum, from any wages due that employee. It was MOVED by Moore, seconded by Wonder that Ordinance No. 2092, creating an Advance Travel and Expense Fund, be passed: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons and Wonder voting aye on roll call. Walker absent. ORDINANCE NO. 2092, An Ordinance relating to City Funds and Accounts; creating an Advanced Travel and Expense Fund, specifying its purpose, describing its source and nature and regulating expenditures therefrom; and enacting Chapter 3.01, "Advance Travel Expense Fund," as a new chapter of the City of Yakima Municipal Code; and declaring an emergency. Councilman Holbrook reported that the Clean Air Board is considering legislation that would give them the authority to clamp down on some of the contractors who's projects are causing a dust problem. Two dust control regulations considered are: (1) All dirt surfaces be sprinkled with water with enough frequency as is necessary to prevent the formation of powdery dust on the whole of the site. Wherein such construction, alteration or repair is being constructed; (2) If water is not available, all such areas shall be covered with a mulch, not less than 1 inch of straw, bark or other mulching material suitable to prevent the emission of dust. It was MOVED by Simmons, seconded by Moore to endorse the proposed suggested regulations, as read by Councilman Holbrook, for the Clean Air Board to strengthen dust abatement: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Walker absent. August 8, 1977 567 City Attorney Andrews reported on the damage claim filed by Robert Moreland, discussed by Council on June 20, 1977. Mr. Moreland had stated that the situation at the baseball diamond had not been corrected, and Council had referred the matter to staff for study. Mr. Andrews stated that this accident happened prior to the summer recreational season, and therefore, the insurance company stated that the City was not liable. Once the recreational season began, the baseball diamond has been maintained. There being no further business to come before the Council, it was MOVED by Allard, seconded by Moore that this meeting be adjourned at the hour of 5:10 P.M.: carried, Allard, Edmondson, Holbrook, Moore, Simmons, and Wonder voting aye by voice vote. Walker absent. READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY `■ DATE ' �S• j 00UNCILM. DATE / 9 /S0 C UNC MAN ATTEST: - / , / / / � � • �`/ �// CIS CLERK o f MAYOR